Australian bound Lexus ES tops Vehicle Satisfaction vote

The Lexus ES sedan has won an important owner satisfaction award ahead of its re-introduction to the Australian market.

Surveyed customers voted the ES the best Luxury Mid-Size Car in the 2013 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, run by US-based automotive research firm AutoPacific.

Respondents voted in 51 key areas that contributed to their purchase decision and satisfaction with the vehicle during ownership.

The Lexus ES will be re-launched in Australia this November following a seven-year absence with two models in the line-up: ES 350 and ES 300h hybrid model.

Lexus won two other categories in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards; LS 460 was judged best Luxury Car and RX 450h the best Hybrid/EV Crossover SUV.

Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said news of the award success increased anticipation of ES’ arrival on Australian shores.

“The latest generation ES builds on what made the previous generation ES so successful – an elegantly styled but bold exterior underpinned by a chassis that offers dynamic driving qualities and a smooth ride,” he said.

“This is matched by high levels of standard equipment, leading technology and a high quality interior bristling with the latest luxury and convenience features.

“The Introduction of ES 300h will mark the arrival of the seventh Lexus hybrid model in Australia, offering our state-of-the-art hybrid system in an enticing, mid-size sedan,” Mr Hanley added.

Lexus was also the leading luxury marque in a major reliability survey conducted by leading UK weekly motoring magazine Auto Express.

The Japanese marque’s second-generation IS sedan achieved a 96.91 per cent reliability rating, putting it at 11th overall.

Survey results were based on the experiences of 46,000 owners.

Auto Express is the biggest selling motoring magazine in Britain with a circulation of 54,633.